Where to eat, stay and shop in Kiama

By Sally Scott
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The NSW South Coast town of Kiama might be most famous for its natural attractions, but these days there’s a whole lot more for day trippers and weekenders to love beyond the blowholes.

Blessed with a picturesque harbour, glittering coastline and bucolic country setting, there’s more to NSW’s South Coast seaside town Kiama than its famous blowhole – the largest in the world.

 

A resurgence of charming cafes, gorgeous homeware stores and luxury lodgings has transformed this NSW coastal getaway to a sea change destination worth revisiting.

Eat

Wild Patch Cafe

Wild Patch Cafe serves Byron Bay coffee to kick start your day alongside a menu of paleo and healthy eats with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Order the Field of Greens – seasonal greens, seeds, kraut, sautéed Huskisson mushrooms and avocado served with local pastured poached eggs to feel well nourished.

 

Address:  14 Manning St, Kiama

Silica

Newcomer Silica burst onto the dining scene in mid-2018, filling a void of quality upscale restaurants in Kiama and offering honest food to a backdrop of glistening ocean views. Silica’s menu is based around locally sourced, sustainable and homegrown ingredients via its very own organic vegetable patch at Dapto Community Farm.

 

Whether it’s bar bites, takeaway fish and chips or the impressive à la carte menu, there’s something for everyone at Silica.

 

Address: 72 Manning St, Kiama

Silica hosts locally sourced, sustainable and homegrown ingredients

Parfait Patisserie

Baker/pastry chef Troy Hindmarch and his wife Sam made the sea change to Kiama from the Southern Highlands to open French cafe Parfait Patisserie also in mid -2018. Award-winning pastry chef Troy starts his day around midnight, baking all the breads, pastries and sweet treats onsite from scratch.

 

The results are mini works of art, and from the classic fresh fruit tarts to the more modern matcha and Nutella tarts, you’ll be coming back for more.

 

Address: 38-40 Manning St, Kiama

Almond croissants

The Little Earth Café

The Little Earth Café is an out-of-town surprise near the Little Blowhole. With a focus on sustainability, local Swell coffee is served in stylish sustainable cups and saucers made from coffee husks which would otherwise be a wasted byproduct of coffee production.

 

The organic cafe and general store serves wholesome dishes like waffle toasties packed with grilled haloumi from local micro-dairy The Pines, honey, harissa, tomato and rocket.

 

Address: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

Behold: the haloumi toastie

Flour Water Salt

Some local favourites still prevail in Kiama like Flour Water Salt a bakery, cafe and food store just off the main drag on Shoalhaven Street, known for its organic handcrafted artisan sourdough. The tiny store is packed with produce and the treats cabinet of pastries and cakes is mighty tempting.

 

Address: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

Little Blowhole Art Bar

Ex-Sydney couple Jamie Cole and Bruce Ferguson opened their colourful tapas and cocktail bar in a quiet corner of Kiama’s coastal suburbia, bringing a new level of sophistication to the sleepy seaside town. Little Blowhole Art Bar is a boutique gallery and eatery featuring monthly exhibitions, regular events and local musicians every Sunday afternoon.

 

Address:  Shop 6/4 Tingira Cres, Kiama

Stay

Terragong 1858

There are some superb unique accommodation options in the Kiama region including Terragong 1858, a hidden gem in the village of Jamberoo.

 

This exquisite B&B hosted by interior designer Darryl Gordon and his partner Simon Milner is warm and welcoming as well as impeccably styled. You won’t want to leave the book-lined drawing room where guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon wine and nibbles daily at 4.30pm.

 

Address: 467 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo

Dovecote

For larger groups, check out one of our unique family accommodation entries on the 100 Unique Stays Across Australia Dovecote. A favourite for celebrities like Russel Crowe the two luxury holiday houses are set on a working farm a short drive from Kiama, where guests will share the property with a herd of dairy cows. The Headland is a four bedroom architect-designed residence with an expansive living wing to entertain friends and family.

 

While The Range is a spectacular two-bedroom retreat ideal for small gatherings and boasting a plunge pool overlooking Werri Beach.

 

Address: 27 Princes Hwy, Gerringong

Inside the Dovecote luxury holiday house

Sleek interiors

Soul of Gerrigong

Nearby Soul of Gerringong offers a coastal cool collection of self-contained spaces allowing large groups to stay together with the privacy of their own en-suite room, blurring the lines between boutique hotel and holiday home.

 

Address:  143 Belinda St, Gerringong

Shop

Bouquiniste

Seek out independent bookstore/cosy cafe Bouquiniste in the little arcade off Terralong Street. This hidden gem stocks a curated collection of the latest books and serves up impressive Brewtown coffee in a super-cute setting with shelves lined with books, a cool feature wall and a leather banquette; it’s the perfect place to while away the afternoon.

 

Come Friday evening, the store transforms into a wine bar with cheese platters and quality drops from local Two Figs Winery to help ease you into the weekend. How civilised!

 

Address: Centrepoint, Shop 1, Kiama, 106 Terralong St, Kiama

Beachside Emporium

Owner Kathryn O’Brien made the sea change from Sydney to the South Coast and brings the coastal vibes to her beautiful art and design store Beachside Emporium. The high street store focuses on local designers and Australian-made products and proudly promotes local emerging and established artists.

 

Address: Shop 15/106 Terralong St, Kiama

The Inside Story

For more retail therapy by the sea, check out The Inside Story, this boutique offers a curated collection of clothing and homewares based on its interior designer owner Kathleen Bowen’s love of travel, providing a globally-inspired selection including Mela Purdie and Rue Stiic.

 

Address: Shop 11/106 Terralong St, Kiama

Deer Willow

For some boho style, check out Deer Willow, a lifestyle store with a treasure trove of global homewares, fashion and accessories. Set over two floors, the coastal chic collection of items ranges from natural braided raffia sandals from Spain to antique Turkish copper trays and everything in between.

 

Address: 12 Manning St, Kiama

Wildflower Studio

It’s also worth checking out Wildflower Studio across the road from Surf Beach, a cute little flower shop with some beautiful gifts including Bohemian Rose ‘Kiama’ candles so you can take that holiday fragrance home with you.

 

Address: 2/89 Manning St, Kiama

 

Planning a trip to the South Coast? Read our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know for the ultimate South Coast NSW weekend away.

Sally Scott is a seasoned travel writer based on Bundjalung County (Northern Rivers) who knows a thing or two about luxe holidays. Whether it's road tripping regional Australia or jetting off on an overseas sojourn, Sally seeks out unique experiences to find the most fabulous places to eat, sip and stay to share with readers.
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A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

    Placed aside crashing ocean waves and soft sand, Kiama soothes from the moment you slink into town – with no shortage of things to do once you arrive. The cherry on top is its burgeoning cafe scene, evolving from stock-standard tourist traps to artisanal statements complete with fresh local produce and some of the best beans in the country. From understated holes in the wall to sea-breezed hipster haunts luring big city hospitality talent, every knock-out Kiama cafe blazes the region’s culinary prowess one lick brighter. Here, our picks and everything we love about them.

    The shortlist

    Best coffee: Ernest Arthur Kiama
    Hottest new opening: Beck’s Kiama
    Best pastries: Slow Dough

    1. Diggies Kiama

    breakfast favourites at Diggies Kiama

    Feast on fresh, hearty breakfast plates at Diggies. (Image: Buffet Digital)

    What a spot. Diggies Kiama is a slice of coastal heaven located right on Blowhole Point Rd opposite the waves, and the people are as breezy-cool as the setting. Laidback vibes flow as large groups converge throughout the open courtyard overlooking the ocean. Sundowners of a weekend bring live music and rounds of cocktails, but breakfast is a sublime experience as the kitchen always shines. Fluffy buttermilk hotcakes with sliced seasonal fruit are never a bad idea as is the Blowhole Roll: a classic bacon and egg number levelled up via a hashbrown, pickled jalapenos and bacon jam. Lunch brings on coastal classics, all finessed with seasonal ingredients, while smoothies (go the Mango Lassi, always) washed everything down in style.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Buzzing

    Location: 1 Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama

    2. Minnamurra General Store

    a person holding two servings of frappes at Minnamurra Cafe

    Grab an indulgent iced coffee from Minnamurra Cafe.

    Breakfast, brunch or lunch at Minnamurra General Store is always tempting and for good reason. The food is on point and in peak holiday season, the long-loved Kiama cafe gets busy. Best to book ahead for a lunch reservation or swing by and collect a takeaway feed. Keep in mind, their weekly specials are often the biggest drawcard, with regular hits spanning pot pies, jazzed-up egg scrambles and internationally led plates like the Turkish Iskender kebap with hot tomato sauce. Sweet tooths will delight in their homemade daily muffins, paired scrumptiously with a smooth cup of Vittoria coffee.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Homely

    Location: 1A Rangoon Rd, Minnamurra

    3. Beck’s Kiama

    Coffee snobs unite for their daily hit at Beck’s Kiama, a Kiama cafe that set up shop inside the former Little Earth Cafe in July 2025. Paying tribute to its roots, the team make magic out of Little Earth Roasters’ famed small-batch beans, which helped make Beck’s predecessor so damn adored. Rest assured, it’s still one of the best spots in town to slurp up a cuppa.

    We love the at-home feel this place exudes from the moment you spot it – a simply brick facade dotted with pot plants and wooden benches – and once you settle in and let ocean views roll up from down the hill, it’s plain serene despite growing crowds cottoning on. The kitchen cranks out breakfast favourites including bacon and egg rolls with greens and toasted sandwiches, as well as freshly baked muffins and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Local

    Location: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

    4. Slow Dough

    alfresco dining at Slow Dough, Kiama cafe

    Nab a relaxed spot for a morning brew. (Image: Slow Dough)

    Putting delicious Little Marionette coffee beans to expert use, Slow Dough pairs its morning brew with the best bread in town. A stellar version of amateur Covid-19 sourdough baking gone pro, co-owner Richard King and his wife Lucy now dish up in-demand baked goods, best enjoyed under the sun on a low-slung stool on the grass. Sweet tooths will drool over a rotating menu of tarts and buns, while savoury loyalists simply can’t resist creative croissants (like the past salami, ricotta and hot honey) loaded focaccias and genius bread blends that have included aged cheddar and jalapeno blends in the past. They’re always playing around with local ingredients so expect the same brand of wizardry whenever you drop in.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Lively

    Location: 19 Bong Bong St, Kiama

    5. Ernest Arthur Kiama

    Earnest Arthur Kiama is a family-owned business that’s been serving Kiama locals for years. With a second store in South Nowra, roughly half an hour’s drive down the coast, the brand fuels the region with two life necessities – pies and caffeine. Nailing both simultaneously, the Kiama cafe is famed for its ridiculously good takes on classic creations like cottage and beef and mushroom, plus wilder mixes like snapper and dill, or beer and beef cheeks, as well as killer sausage rolls. Homemade pastries are also crowd pleasers, as is the other half of their business, coffee, thanks to a house-blend of beans and expertly foamed cups.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cosy

    Location: 82 Terralong St, Kiama

    6. The Farmer’s Table

    The Farmer’s Table in a historic Kiama terrace house

    Soak up the old-world feel at The Farmer’s Table. (Image: DEFACTO CO)

    Located in Kiama’s heritage-listed Collins Street terraces, The Farmer’s Table is as visually beautiful as its homestyle food is plentiful. Expert baristas pour great coffee for devoted regulars and curious tourists seven days a week, making this Kiama cafe’s courtyard a sought-after spot to enjoy a feed. Sealing the deal is the fact it’s pet-friendly. Visitors who board the heritage-listed Kiama Picnic Train often book into The Farmer’s Table for a meal, perhaps to retain the historic, old-world feel that the rail-bound day trip brings, or simply because the food is so darn tasty.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Charming

    Location: Shop 2/42 Collins St, Kiama

    7. Otis

    Tummy rumbling? Otis will sort you out with lashings of the good stuff. Specialising in flavour-packed salads that shine a light on the region’s peak produce, the Kiama cafe is famed for mixes like the Tahini-glazed sweet potato and the honey roasted carrot crunch with candied walnuts and feta. Grab a table to savour every bite, plus there’s wraps, focaccias, baked goods and silky-smooth coffee to further tempt.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Fuss-free

    Location: 106 Terralong St, Kiama

    8. The Hungry Monkey

    a person holding a cup of coffee at The Hungry Monkey, Kiama cafe

    The coffee alone makes this bustling cafe one of the best in Kiama. (Image: The Hungry Monkey)

    While its burgers make it one of the best dining experiences in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey’s breakfast menu also earns a place on our morning must-try list. Serving up creamy White Horse Coffee from 6.30am (you’ll spot caffeine-starved crowds waiting for tables most weekends), the Kiama cafe plates up all-day breakfast classics done with a twist, like chilli eggs with sambal and sourdough crumpets with ginger butter and local honey. Grab a spot on the front deck for all the excellent people watching.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Bustling

    Location: 5/32 Collins St, Kiama

    9. Manning Street Local

    Combing the east coast for epic beans, Manning Street Local is firmly fixed on providing locals with some of the most robust morning flavours in town. While Reuben Hills dominates their machine pour, the team also showcase bags of their favourite brands in-store, with past legends including Melbourne’s Market Lane and Sydney’s Skittle Lane. Aside from supporting their industry peers, the team also whip up wonderful fresh-baked baguettes and focaccias loaded with indulgences, plus homemade scrolls and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cheery

    Location: 43 Manning St, Kiama

    10. Penny Whistlers

    roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers, Kiama cafe

    Roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers.

    From sunrise each day, you’ll find the Penny Whistlers crew pouring flavoursome brews with Campos coffee beans. The Kiama cafe boasts stunning ocean views and nourishing dishes across both breakfast and lunch (think chilli fried eggs and an open steak sandwich with chimichurri and chat potatoes), while Vegans are well-catered for, too. From Thursday to Saturday, Penny Whistlers is a licensed dinner venue that regularly has live music to get the party started.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Chilled out

    Location: 5/31 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    11. Saltwater

    A Kiama institution, Saltwater plates up the best fish and chips in town, as well as gourmet burgers, schnitzels, salads, breakfast and great coffee. It’s a go-to venue for a leisurely seafood lunch with loved ones in a relaxing atmosphere. Their signature dish, the Blue Oscar, takes a grilled Blue Grenadier and tops it with grilled prawns, hollandaise, chips and slaw for a winning taste sensation.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Friendly

    Location: 104 Terralong St, Kiama

    12. Flour Water Salt

    the bread counter at Flour Water Salt Bakery

    Grab a loaf of fresh sourdough from Flour Water Salt.

    The Flour Water Salt team believe it’s better to do a few things well rather than several things averagely. It’s why the basis of this Kiama cafe is the bakery brand’s artisan sourdough production, and the cooks have garnered a cult-like attraction as a result. Come for the pastries, coffee, chai tea, hot pies and artisan-style sandwiches that put that bread to excellent use, and leave with a loaf (or few) of heavenly carb perfection.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Welcoming

    Location: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    13. Short Black Coffee

    Short Black Coffee is a lovely, no-fuss Kiama cafe located on the main street of town, where fresh-baked pastries and cakes are a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike. Think made-from-scratch delights like Mars Bar slices, loaded chunky cookies and banana bread, to heartier bites like fluffy stacked toasties. Kids love the banana split waffles while adults linger longer due to this place’s reliably good coffee and easy price tags.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Low-key

    Location: 88 Terralong St, Kiama

    Still hungry? Discover the best restaurants in Kiama